Idaho Elk Diy...Panhandle?

[Badger 5]

Minnesotan here, and I recently have been bitten by the Elk bug. I have decided to go last 10 days in September on a DIY archery elk hunt. I have done a ton of research on Colorado and Idaho. I understand no matter where I go I will have a great experience (if I am in shape) and a chance at harvesting elk. We plan to be prepared to truck camp, or backpack in and camp if we find elk deeper in the woods. We hope to have a fun wilderness experience, and have a chance at harvesting a legal elk.

Choosing the zone is such a tough decision. Right now I plan to hunt the Panhandle zone in Idaho, specifically unit 6. I know somebody who harvested a bull here 5 years ago, and they gave me a few spots to check out. I understand the panhandle is a jungle, but it’s nice having information on spots to check out, and the elevation isn’t too bad. I do worry the unit could have different elk numbers now than 5 years ago. I also understand there is a lot of logging, so spots might look quite different now than 5 years ago.

Does anybody have any general advice they would like to share on this unit? Not looking for any trailheads or spots, just general advice or thoughts on my unit choice. If you think it’s a poor unit choice fee free to let me know, I have also looked at the Lemhi Zone, and Units 36b, 67,66 30a, 50, and plent of others. I have a spreadsheet with about 20 units with stats on hunter density, success rages, public land ect, and things I have read about the units (lots of off-road vehicles, low elk numbers due to wolves ect).

I don’t want anybody to give me specific spots or even units. Just looking for general advice. I would like to pick a good unit and go back there every year (that I don’t draw a special draw tag) so I can really get to know it and learn how to find and hunt elk there.

Thanks in advance for any help!


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[Ross]

Only thing I will mention is having hunted the panhandle for 39 years certain drainages will hold more wolves at times than others be sure to have several options. Good luck

 

[btplass]

Hunted a unit a little north of there last year. Just be sure to stay mobile. I think your car camp idea with the ability to spike out overnight is the best plan.

PM me if you'd like.

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[mtnbiker208]

don't get caught up in the lower elevation thing. The valley floor to the tops is the same in north Idaho as it is anywhere. We just start lower. Thick and extremely steep is the st joe country.

 

[Rohnson23]

I don’t have info on unit 6 but I’ve hunted panhandle most of my hunting careers, around 16 years now. It has changed quite a bit. Wolves have had the biggest impact in my opinion. The unit I hunt is a jungle, minimal roads, but if you put in the time you’ll find elk. Good luck out there!